Top dog Harvey takes centre stage

20150306 Copyright onEdition 2015 ?'Free for editorial use image, please credit: onEdition''Picture shows scrufts contestant Tracey Toft from castleford , W Yorks with Harvey today (Friday 06.03.15), the second day of Crufts 2015, at the NEC Birmingham.''Crufts is the world's largest dog show and was established in 1891 by Charles Cruft. This year will see more than 22,000 healthy, happy dogs enjoying competing for the coveted 'Best in Show' title. Crufts 2015 runs from the 5th to the 8th March 2015 at the NEC, Birmingham.''Crufts is the perfect opportunity for dog lovers to find out even more about the range of schemes, activities and events that they can get involved in, to ensure that they and their dog have a long, healthy and fulfilling relationship from puppy-hood, all the way through their lives!''For more information please contact the Press Office via: T: 020 7518 1008 / 1020'E: press.office@thekennelclub.org.uk''For additional images, press releases, video or audio content please visit: http://www

Published:19:00Sunday 15 March 2015

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Devoted pet owner Tracey Toft and her dog Harvey had a day to remember when they took part in Crufts.

The two-year-old pooch, a Patterdale and Jack Russell cross, took part in the Scruffts Cross Breed competition after scooping the title of Best Crossbreed Rescue dog in the semi-finals last year.

The event was held in the main area at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre and was also screened on Channel Four.

Mrs Toft, 29, of Whitwood, said: “It was an absolutely amazing experience. We were treated like celebrities.

“From the moment we got there we’d got cameras and microphones shoved in our faces – it was all a bit surreal actually.”

As reported in the Express last year, Mrs Toft and her partner Jonathan Smith raised more than £3,000 for an operation for Harvey after they found he had scalds to his face, a broken leg and a severe ear infection.

Harvey’s ear canal was removed during the operation in December.

Mrs Toft added: “When they read out Harvey’s name he got by far the biggest cheer of all of the dogs.

“The amount of support we’ve had during this little journey has been incredible.

“Ever since he was first in the paper it’s just been unbelievable.

“We cannot thank people enough for what they have done.

“It’s so heartwarming that everybody has come together for a dog. A lot of those who have supported him have never even met him.”

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